If we were to see our lives in cinematic terms,
the soundtracks to some family holiday dinners can
be easily paced with a metronome. Could you please
pass the salt….Thank you….How is work?…and your
cousin Fred?

My family mealtime conversations, on the other
hand, I liken to a jazz score: many voices, short
notes and long, high and low, with many
conversations seemingly occurring at the same time;
yet accomplished players always know what is being
discussed and laughed about, with seamless
transitions occurring between politics, old
memories, and even who wore what to the last holiday
meal. These are conversations which take place
throughout the evening, as my brother says, “All
without the benefit of a single noun.”

At a recent family dinner, I heard something from
my sister Linda which seemed to float above the room
for a few extra notes once it was said. Like
the rest of my immediate family, Linda proudly works
in
healthcare.
...continued

For a caregiver, one of the most anxiety-causing side
effects of dementia is wandering. With this diagnosis,
caregivers come to expect severe memory loss and
confusion as to time and place, but usually they are not
prepared for the constant “watch” they must have on
their loved one.

Nearly 60 percent of all people with dementia
wander, especially in the middle stages. There are
many facets to this unpredictable behavior, and the
causes are as numerous as the tactics people have
used to curtail them...continued

I always thought helper dogs were for blind
or hearing impaired people. As I began to learn
more about these dogs, I realized they also
offered a variety of assistance to people with
physical limitations.

Service dogs can be trained to retrieve
objects that are out of reach; pull manual
wheelchairs; open doors and turn on lights;
retrieve help; assist with dressing or
undressing; and assist in many other ways. Some
service dogs are specially trained seizure
response dogs and there are dogs trained to
offer a person counter balance when ambulating.....continued

Caretips

Friends

By: Kristine Dwyer, LSW, Staff Writer

Through many years of working with caregivers, I have
been continually reminded of the great importance of
friends, especially during the challenges of caregiving
years. I have also felt the sadness and loneliness that
caregivers’ feel when friends drift away at a time when
they are needed most.

“You sure find out who your friends are!” is a familiar comment
expressed by caregivers that can be both positive and negative. .....continued

I am new to the site and very interested in any advice or tips you
can give me! I am the sole caregiver to my 83-year-old mother. She has
Alzeheimer's diagnosed a year ago and it is mild at the moment. We go
through a lot of miscomprehension on her part, so I find myself raising
my voice (I guess thinking I need to speak louder) which she considers
yelling! We have been through this many times, but still it continues!
Any advice?

I know that I need a break because I haven't had any time away for
over two years. In August, I was planning five days away when my Mom
came down with shingles. I had to shorten my time to just a weekend. It
was like pulling teeth from an alligator to get my sister to stay with
Mom! I did some research and a non-medical aide, not including
overnights, was too expensive! I am hopeful that you might also have
suggestions on low- or no-cost quality respite care. Thanks!

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